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Kalkan Excursions

A holiday is a special time for individuals and families … we all differ and some people come here and just want to relax by the poolside, whilst others want to get out and about and see some of the local history, culture and scenery.

So rather than organize “welcome meetings”, which are usually the time when excursions are promoted, we provide details of excursions in a brochure at the resort – for you to peruse at your leisure, and for you to approach us about which tours you would like to go on.

Here are details of just some of the tours we can arrange for you whilst you are in Kalkan.

TURKISH COOKERY LESSONS

Do you love to cook? Are you enjoying all the beautiful Turkish cuisine on offer throughout Kalkan? Then why not try a morning cookery lesson with Husseyin, at his restaurant just a short drive from Kalkan?

These lessons include a couple of hours’ of cookery instruction, followed by lunch with a glass of wine, and return transfers from your accommodation to the restaurant.

You can choose from cooking with chicken, beef or lamb, or a vegetarian option. The classes are suitable for all ages and abilities, and an ideal way to create something special to remember your Kalkan holiday when you return home.

FETHIYE MARKET & KAYAKOY

Located less than a 1 hour drive away from Kalkan, Fethiye is a picturesque harbour town and an ideal place to spend a day shopping.

On a Tuesday there is a large open market where you can get some fantastic bargains at a fraction of the cost that they are sold in the shops. The town also has many small shops and boutiques located in the old centre, alongside the larger department type stores in the town. Additionally, Fethiye has a wide selection of shops selling quality gold jewellery and leather.

Lunch is served at the “ghost town” of Kayaköy, which was deserted by the Greeks and never reinhabited. This old village is featured in the new bestseller by Louis de Bernières, “Birds without Wings”. The author is best known as the writerof Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. After lunch you will have time to explore the village before your return transfer to Kalkan.

Alternatively, you can opt to just stay in Fethiye after visiting the market (rather than take the second part of the tour including lunch), and you will be collected at a specified time from the market area before returning to Kalkan.

ARYCANDA & ELMALI

Arycanda is one of the fascinating Lycian hidden cities. It was built on a series of terraces climbing a mountain slope, and the views from the ruins are some of the most memorable in Lycia.

The second port of call for the day is Elmali. This old Ottoman town is a place where traditional handicrafts still survive. During the visit you will see the old Ottoman mosque complex with its famous library, school and Turkish bath. A visit to this town is like a journey back to 19th century.

Along the drive you will see beautiful countryside including cedar and pine forests.

CANOEING AT PATARA NATIONAL PARK

Spend an exciting day full of sun, fun and nature as you row along the beautiful Xanthos River in 2-man canoes.No canoeing experience is required to share an exhilarating day in Patara National Park as your guides will give you tuition before you start out.

Your experienced guides will show you the natural wonders of one of the most unspoilt areas in Turkey.

Come and enjoy canoeing, swimming, take an optional mud bath! There are a number of stops along the way, culminating in a delicious barbecue lunch on the shore of the river.

You will finally emerge on to Patara beach to relax and have a swim if you want … the perfect ending to a canoeing trip of a life time.

GOMBE & THE GREEN LAKE

The journey to the town of Gömbe, and the nearby Green Lake takes you onto the high plains of Anatolia. En-route you will see the cedar forests plus different flora, fauna and wildlife.

As you ascend to the mountains you will feel the temperature drop – a welcome relief during the hot summer months – and the waters of this tranquil lake will be cold even on the hottest of days. Depending on the time of year of your visit, and the water levels, you will also see the waterfall … a wonderful place for the photo opportunities, and in complete contrast to the Mediterranean shores.

The next stage of the trip will be Elmali. This old Ottoman town is a place where traditional handicrafts still survive. During the visit you will see the old Ottoman mosque complex with its famous library, school and Turkish bath. A visit to this town is like a journey back to 19th century.

CANOEING, SNORKELLING & DIVING IN KALKAN

Whilst Kalkan is the ideal place to sit back and relax by the poolside at your accommodation, for those who want to get out and about, there is so much to see and do in this area.

Kalkan’s coastal location makes an ideal base for water sports and activities. Activities in Kalkan are quieter and more sedate than at other resorts and are aimed at families and couples.

We offer a number of daily tours on the water, as well as daily and weekly diving courses.

KALKAN BOAT TRIP

One of the best ways to get to know the area of Kalkan is to take a boat trip. Small and medium size boats can take you around the surrounding waters firstly heading east towards caves, where swimmers can jump from the boat and swim in to explore the caves further.

Your captain will then sail your craft towards the west for stop off’s at both Syçan and Yyland Islands (rat and snake islands respectively!) … these are the islands that can be seen from Kalkan.

Lunch is freshly prepared on board the boat … and can be enjoyed either on a sandy beach or whilst still afloat.

There are plenty of opportunities to swim in the crystal blue waters of the Meditteranean … or just relax on board, with a drink, and soak up the stunning scenery.

Moonlight sails – with an evening meal and drinks served on board – can also be arranged.

KEKOVA & SIMINA

You will be driven to Üçagiz village by air conditioned mini-bus. From there you will board a boat to set sail and explore the ruins of an ancient Roman sunken city that was caused by a massive earthquake.

Then we move on and take a tour of the picture postcard town of Kekova and visit the Crusader Castle. The walk to Semena Castle is optional … you can always stop for a cup of coffee at one of the lovely waterside cafes.

There will be plenty of swimming opportunities in the crystal waters that surround Kekova Island. A traditional Turkish lunch will be served on board the boat. This is an easy and relaxing day out.

MEIS – DAY & EVENING EXCURSIONS

Less than 5 miles away from the shore of Kaş, a 30 minute drive along the coast road from Kalkan, lies the Greek Island of Meis.

Spend a day on this tiny Greek Island – largely untouched by tourism. It has been governed by many nations in the past including the Ottoman Turks, the Egyptians, the Venitian Doge and Rhodes. The advent of the 2nd World War nearly saw the population leave completely – however, the people were determined to remain on the island.

This fascinating island has a population of only a couple of hundred people, but there is quite a lot to see here … from the pretty harbour with water front shops and restaurants through to the rabbit warren like maze of streets lined with small houses and a number of churches.

You can now also go to Meis for the evening. You will reach Meis in time to visit the Duty Free shop, and then have time for a wander around the village, perhaps have a meal right on the water’s edge, before sailing back and returning to Kalkan.

PATARA

This tour combines a tour of the ancient ruins of Patara with a relaxing couple of hours on the beach followed by a late lunch at a trout restaurant in the mountain village of Islamlar.

The day starts at 10.00 when you are collected for the short journey to Patara from your accommodation. On arrival at this National Park, you will have 45 minutes to explore the ruins of the ancient seat of the Lycian Empire – including the forum, amphitheatre and also the lighthouse. Then you will be taken on to the sandy beach of Patara … at some 18 km long, it is one of the longest sandy beaches in the whole of Turkey.

You can either hire a sun lounger or take a walk along the beach. The sea is usually “choppy” at Patara … but you can walk out for a long, long distance before the sand shelves away.

After a couple of hours on the beach, you will be taken to Islamlar where you can enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the popular trout restaurants, before returning to your accommodation.

SAKLIKENT & TLOS

This tour brings you history, scenery and culture … all in one.

Firstly, you get to explore the ruins of the capital of ancient Lycia – Tlos – with its acropolis, stadium, theatre and rock tombs. Tlos was the home of the mythical winged horse, Pegasus, and his image is carved in to one of tombs.

The tour then moves on to the icy waters of the “hidden valley” – Saklikent. This is an opportunity to take photographs of the breath taking scenery.

You will also pass through villages where life has remained, unchanged, for centuries.

Lunch will be provided at the village of Yakapark – where trout swim in pools, shaded by walnut trees.

You will then have your return transfer back to your accommodation.

PINARA & LETOON

Remote Pinara is still relatively untouched by tourism, and therefore is a peaceful place to spend some time. The ruins here feature unusual pigeon hole tombs in the acropolis.

Later you can see the remains of the temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo at Letoon. Situated less than 10km south from the Xanthos River, Letoon was once the sacred centre of Lycia, in the middle of a lush fertile plain. There have been many archaeological finds at this site, some dating back to the 6th century B.C.

VILLAGE TOUR

Visit Saribelen , Bezirgan and Islamlar villages which will be an opportunity to see traditional village life and learn a little of local customs. You will also have a chance to see a village mosque, family house and school. Lunch will be traditional Turkish home cooking.

This tour starts at 09:30 when you are collected from your accommodation. The first visit is to Saribelen where you can see a village school, mosque and the old mill. Then there is a walk around the village. Afterwards you are driven to both Bezirgan & Islamlar villages. This really is a fascinating day out.